Wellness is striving for the highest level of existence, including mental, psychological, social, spiritual, and physical components. It is dynamic and multidimensional and is related to heredity, environment, and individual interests.
Physical Well-being is the capacity to use our bodies efficiently and effectively. This can be achieved through physical exercise; strength, flexibility, endurance, as well as through nutrition, utilizing safety precautions, and self-care.
Spiritual Well-being is the practice and philosophy of the integral aspects of mental, emotional and overall well-being. This is not the property of any particular religion, faith, or culture. Spiritual well-being is a practice, a way of being that exemplifies and keeps track of one's own journey to discovery of oneself., and it can be practiced in many ways.
Psychological Well-being is our ability to handle the stresses of daily life and maintain a positive attitude and sense of purpose. Some other areas that fall under psychological well-being include personal growth, positive relationships, purpose in life, and self-acceptance
In Unit 3 I gave myself the following;
Physical - 7 - and my goal was to be at an 8 by this time
Spiritual - 5 - my goal was to be at a 6 by this time
Psychological - 7 - my goal was to be at an 8 by this time
I believe I have met these goals for the following reasons;
Physically I have become stronger through my exercise regimen and believe I am where I wanted to be. I have continued my goal to become much stronger and faster So I will be able to complete the "Tough Mudder" I will be competing in at the end of the year.
Spiritually I have reached a realm that I never thought possible. Through meditation I have gone places I never thought I would. My meditation practices have allowed me to "see" things that are of this world and even beyond. I still have a long way to go here, however, I am full of hope and determination that I will get there through commitment and dedication.
Psychologically I have found an inner peace that enables me to control the situations at work that have in the past aggravated me. I have become grateful, compassionate, and have found an inner peace that allows me to project that to my patients, co-workers, and in my work environment.
The exercises that I had planned to implement in my life and to assist in moving towards these goals were to;
Physical - to add variety in my workout and to incorporate cross training. I have maintained my 6 days per week work-outs (30 -60 minutes on days I worked and 60 - 180 minutes on my days off). I am running about a 9:22 minute mile, can do 32 push-ups at a time but only 8 pull-ups at a time. My diet has been good and am leaning more towards a "clean" diet, all natural without any preservatives.
Spiritual - As stated above, I have experienced higher states of consciousness that I didn't really think were possible prior to this course, even though I have practiced meditation and yoga for many years. Meditation is and will continue to be the vehicle I choose to use on my spiritual journey.
Psychological - This area is where I feel I have made the most improvements. I tend not to judge (as much) anymore. I think before I speak (less reactive), and am mindful of my facial expressions and body language. Practicing loving kindness was hard for me in the beginning, but the way I have found works for me is to acknowledge people where ever I go. I am aware of my surroundings, I smile and talk to complete strangers, in stores, on the street, in restaurants. I have had 30 minute conversations with complete strangers in the grocery store. I have had patients open up to me and speak of their concerns and fears. I even have had our training manager at work ask me questions and how we can incorporate this behavior throughout our work environment.
My personal experience throughout this course has been a positive, insightful, and educational. I have learned, grown as an individual, and have new found savoir-faire. The exercises have been favorable and I have incorporated them all into my daily meditative practices. The knowledge of the mind/body/spirit connection and how the three together can influence our health has been an amazing adventure. I have and will continue to explore my mind and forge ahead on this journey to enlightenment.
Be a lamp unto yourself. Work out your liberation with diligence.
~ Buddha ~
Peace ~ Robin
